"Evaluation, Evolution and Growth" — eCampusAlberta Quality Suite 2.0 Session — Michael Gaschnitz

This table of contents shows that
ATOL’s D2L courses
were designed with the
Essential Quality Standards
in mind right from the beginning.

The Anytime Online Program is striving to meet Essential Quality Standards 2.0 by June 1st—a monumental task. Thankfully, we have kept the strictures of EQS 2.0 in view from the very beginning (see Starting with Why: An Example D2L "Template" for Math and Science Courses).

According to January 12th’s “Evaluation, Evolution and Growth — eCampusAlberta Quality Suite 2.0 “ session hosted by Christine and Barb, eCampusAlberta has conducted 161 first EQS 2.0 reviews and 158 “subsequent reviews.” A majority of courses “fail” and require a second review, and several require a third review. Of the 177 unique courses currently in the review process, 99 have met the standards (56%), and 11 are in review awaiting results (this includes first, second, and third reviews).

They said institutions that provide the most PD to their instructional designers (and that is what ATOL instructors are in this situation) have the highest rates of success. ATOL instructors are learning on-the-fly how to be instructional designers.

ATOL instructors’ tremendous progress and self-directed professional development should be celebrated—even if a course “fails.” This is not easy, especially considering our asynchronous nature.

Details from the session:

• One of the standards most often not met is the inclusion of proper and complete citations. Christine said they are releasing a citation guide in February that is so well-designed that it will, some claim, make the citation process “fun.”
• Consider the session on February 23: eCampusAlberta Citation Guide: “Where did THAT come from?”. “What’s the most-frequently missed standard in Quality 2.0 course review? Without a doubt, it’s the requirement for appropriate citation of all academic content. We know that proper citation is vital—it demonstrates academic integrity, shows respect for others’ work, models scholarship for students, and contributes to the body of knowledge,” (http://moodle.ecampusalberta.ca/groups/course/view.php?id=11)
  
• Barb and Christine said they will assist us in how to meet the standards if our review does not pass. Barb audits every course that is reviewed. If we would like to discuss the review with Barb she would be happy to meet with us.
  
• A cover letter comes with the review report that has more detail about the standards that may not have been met. This includes feedback from the reviewer and also a cover letter that goes to our operations rep.
  
• Concerns have been raised about consistency in the review process. Some reviewers provide suggestions for improvement, others do not. Hopefully, our reviewers will provide suggestions.

More information about eCampusAlberta’s PD opportunities:

• eCampusAlberta PD Calendar
  

  • The session "Blueprinting Your Course" on February 3rd looks interesting, especially considering that a number of new career-prep courses are now in development.
    
• eCA Professional Learning Site
• Links to sessions and recordings of past sessions
  
• eCampusAlberta PD Sign Up
• Sign up here for email notices about forthcoming PD opportunities

Regards,

Michael

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